Drew's loyal service recognised

Following his decision to retire from playing, Drew Talbot has been offered a testimonial to mark his loyal service to the club and will take up an honorary role as a club ambassador.

“This club means a lot to me and I am very grateful that I am being honoured in this way,” said Drew. “I’d like to thank Ashley Carson for offering me a testimonial and asking me to become a club ambassador.”

Spireites chief executive Graham Bean said: “Drew is very much a part of the Spireites family, having served the club with distinction over many years. He is a club legend and we feel that his loyal service should be recognised in this way.

“I am sure that Chesterfield fans will fully support Drew’s testimonial year and join me in wishing Drew and his family all the very best for the future.”

Originally a striker before being switched to right-back, Drew first joined the club on loan from Luton Town in January 2009 before signing permanently the following summer.

After featuring in two League Two title-winning sides and helping Town win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in 2012, Drew left the Proact to join Portsmouth in the summer of 2016 when his contract came to an end.

He returned to the club on a short-term contract in January of last year and was re-signed by Martin Allen last summer.

Drew played 13 times last season, taking his total for Chesterfield to 312 appearances and 19 goals.